Will 2020 be the Most Competitive Year for J-1 Physicians?

Cortney Ikpe

2020 will likely be the most competitive year for J-1 waivers. A major factor of the increased competition is the 2018 suspension of the H-1B premium processing program under the current administration. Many doctors who were originally on an H-1B went back to a J-1 visa, meaning this cycle will have more physicians seeking J-1 waivers. We already began to see the effects during the 2019 cycle as many states received over 30 applications, meaning a large number of physicians were denied and states filled faster than years prior.

According to a recent article, roughly 25% of physicians in the US were trained overseas and use a J-1 or H-1B visa to practice in the US. As the nation braces for a drastic physician shortage in the coming years, the US has been looking to foreign doctors to fill the gaps. Unfortunately, the government has been tightening immigration policies, making it increasingly more difficult for foreign doctors to practice in the US.

What does this mean for J-1 physicians?

As the most competitive year approaches, J-1 physicians should start the job search process well in advance. We recommend preparing at least a year to a year and a half early. All states will open September 1 and October 1, 2019, and we suggest having a contract signed by this time. Many states accept waivers on a first come first serve basis, so being the first to submit your contract gives you an advantage.

How can Resolve help?

Resolve will work on behalf of the physician to identify J-1 eligible employers within your desired location. Once we’ve identified every J-1 eligible employer, our team will connect you with the key hiring contacts at these institutions. This method allows us to uncover the jobs you’re not seeing advertised online or with recruiters. Once the employment options have been narrowed down, we offer a host of other career-related services, including interview tips and contract negotiations. Our professional team of attorneys can read between the fine lines of employment agreements and ensure the position will give proper compensation and benefits to the physician. However, we are not immigration attorneys.

To find more information about J-1 visas and H-1B processing, go to uscis.gov. If you are in the process of looking for J-1 waiver jobs, please reach out to one of our team members at 877-758-3318 to discuss how we can assist you.